Krispy Kreme Trip

When we drove down to San Antonio to visit the temple we made a pit stop along the way.  Krispy Kreme Donuts.  When I was a teenager Krispy Kreme built a ton of stores in Arizona around where I live.  They were there long enough to get everyone addicted.  Apparently though, the company had expanded too fast and they were unable to keep the multiple locations open.  We were all in a bit of shock when they closed up shop.  A few years later they did open another location close by though -- thank goodness.

Fast forward to today.  There are a few locations around central Texas, one of which happens to be around the corner from the temple.  We decided it would be fun to take the kids in to see how they make the donuts and to enjoy a delicious treat.  Best idea ever!

The kids had so much fun watching the big donut machine at work.  Once we get to the front, they also gave us each a free warm glazed donut to enjoy.  That was enough to get us hooked.

We let each of the kids pick a couple of donuts to go in our dozen.  It was fun to sit in the little shop and enjoy the atmosphere and the treats.  The kids are already asking to go again, and Cameron and I were thinking it would be a fun little tradition to hit the donut shop when we make our monthly drive to the temple.  Just one more sweet, sweet, motivation for temple attendance.

Simple joys

We took the kids on a quick Walmart run to grab a few things while we were out.  They still had some Christmas Clearance.  In the clearance goods we found Star Wars Marshmallow pops.  They were like a giant Peep on a stick.  We paid $.10 each for them.  It was worth so much more than that with how much fun the kids had with them.  I love that they still enjoy the little things.
Star Wars + Marshmallows = Happy Kids.  So much fun.

Family picnic

The other day Cameron and I decided to take the kids to the park for a picnic lunch.  I don't feel as though I take the kids to the park enough.  I had intended to meet up with some other homeschooling families earlier in the day, but due to scheduling conflicts was unable to do so.  So, to make up for that, we went as a family to a nearby park to eat and play.

It's nice to spend time together as a family.  As the kids get older they are easier and easier to take places -- especially if there is food there or they go into it with a full stomach.  My kids often demonstrate the definition of hangry if I'm not vigilant with mealtimes.

Our picnic was livened up a bit by a giant duck that kept eyeing us.  I'm sure the kids were just reacting to my reaction.  I was pretty adamant that they not try to touch the beast.  I could just see it biting off fingers.  For most of the time we were there the kids had this apprehensive fascination with the thing though.  I was just glad when it waddled off away from us and sat down in the sun.

Taking them to the park was a great idea because once they ate they were able to run and play.  As it turned out the kids spent most of the time at the park on the swings.  I am not a huge fan of those things.  I don't like swinging myself, and I don't enjoy pushing children on swings either.  However, it's fun to watch the children enjoying themselves.  The look of elation after a good swing helps me reflect on the little joys that are often overlooked in life.

Cameron and Maddy both took turns climbing the poles on the sides of the swing sets.  I don't know why, but climbing to great heights is still an impressive thing to me even as an adult.

Maddy had to take her shoes off for her climb so she could use her feet for traction -- the little monkey.

Doing family outings in the great outdoors is refreshing.  It motivates me to explore Austin better and visit cool parks and take more fun hikes.  It goes on the list!

Birthday Britta

Britta turned FOUR years old January 11, 2012.  She is getting so old, and more adorable every day.  We started the day off in the usual birthday manner.  Pancakes with strawberries, whipping cream, and sprinkles.  Of course.  They never go unappreciated.

We let Britta open presents here and there throughout the day.  She got some fun and thoughtful gifts from friends and family.  We always feel very loved when family members from afar remember to send birthday gifts and cards to let us know they're thinking of us.  Britta definitely appreciated all the love and attention.

Britta was pretty excited about the unicorn pillow pet she got from mom and dad, too.  I'm pretty sure it was simply because the thing is big, soft, and has a pink tummy.  Win!

For a fun activity on her big day, Britta helped me make birthday cupcakes.  It was her first time with the electric mixer.  She did very well.  The cupcakes turned out to be delicious.  I have Britta to thank for that.

We were happy to have Jan and Sarah join us from next door in the evening.  The Jacksons are some of Britta's very favorite people, so it was appropriate they came to share in the celebration for her birthday.

Sarah even made Britta a little pink cake.  It was even better tasting than our cupcakes!  It was SO Britta.  Pink Pink Pink!

It was a great fourth birthday for Britta.  She is our little princess.  It was heartwarming to see her enjoying herself and feeling so special on her much anticipated day.  We love her so, and can't imagine our family without our Britta.

25 weeks Pregnant

I had a rough past couple of months.  Pregnancy hormones are not my friend.

Anyhow... despite my emotional state, my baby (and subsequently my belly) is growing growing growing.  I was 25 weeks along on New Year's Eve.  The pictures were taken on January 3rd.

I still like the belly, but it is getting harder to move around and function.  I pulled something in my lower back this morning and can hardly stand right now.  Oh, the joys.

I have 3 and a half months left before my due date.  I'm finally getting excited to prepare for baby's arrival.  I've never had a formal nursery.  I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that Britta didn't even have a crib.  She slept in a pack n play.  I'm excited to play it all up this time 'round.  I hope the added fun of that preparation helps during the midnight feedings and routine diaper changes.  Somehow, I'm not so sure.